Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention — a 4,500-tonne digital-native frigate designed around the revolutionary Thales Sea Fire fixed-panel AESA radar, providing 360-degree continuous air and surface surveillance with ballistic missile detection capability. Armed with 16 Aster 15/30 missiles in Sylver A50 VLS, 8 Exocet MM40 Block 3C, MU90 torpedoes, and a 76mm OTO Melara gun. Features a fully integrated combat management system with extremely high levels of automation enabling a reduced crew of 110. The French Navy has ordered five (first: Amiral Ronarc'h, delivered 2024). Greece has ordered three modified FDI-HN variants with enhanced air defense.
![Naval Group logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="16" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">NAVAL GROUP</text></svg>)
- Sea Fire 500 fixed-face AESA radar provides 360° coverage without rotation delay
- Compact design at 4,200 tonnes enables high volume production and low cost
- Export success: Greece (3 FDI, + 3 option) demonstrates allied confidence
- Full suite: ASW, ASuW, AAW, and land-attack in single hull
- Newer design than FREMM — benefits from latest stealth shaping
- Smaller VLS (32 cells) vs FREMM (48 cells) limits magazine depth
- No torpedo tubes for submarine engagement — relies on helicopter
- French frigate export history shows long delivery timelines
- Integration of Greek-specific requirements adds cost and schedule risk
- No ballistic missile defense capability
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